Queen's Now

November 2012

News

Portrait of former Chancellor unveiled in New York

Senator George J Mitchell pictured with his family at the unveiling of his portrait in New York

A portrait of Senator George J Mitchell, Chancellor of Queen’s from 1999 to 2009, has been unveiled at the Residence of the British Consul General in New York.

A reception to celebrate the unveiling was jointly hosted by the Consul General, Danny Lopez, and by Sir David Fell, Pro-Chancellor of Queen’s. The occasion was attended by Senator Mitchell, GBE and The Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and the portrait artist James Hanley (Dublin).

Speaking at the reception, Sir David talked of the University’s deep sense of gratitude for Senator Mitchell’s lengthy association with Queen’s and with Northern Ireland. He said: “Senator Mitchell served Queen’s with great distinction during his ten years as Chancellor. Rightly lauded around the world for his efforts in peace negotiations, he was – and still remains – a consummate diplomat.

“We are deeply indebted to Senator Mitchell for doing so much to put Queen’s on the map, nationally and internationally, during a time when Northern Ireland was emerging from a most difficult time in its history.”

Among the 70 guests at the reception were US members of the University’s Foundation Board, alumni and friends of Queen’s and current students in the US on the US-NI Mentorship Scheme established by Declan Kelly during his time as Special Envoy in Northern Ireland.